The New Dodge Compact for 2013: Car Spy

Dodge is designing a new compact to be revealed next year, based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. We don't know if it'll keep the name Dodge Caliber, but our car spy can tell that it'll be a mean performance machine.

The New Dodge Compact for 2013: Car Spy

The New Dodge Compact for 2013: Car Spy

We finally get a closer look at what Dodge has in mind for the new compact model it plans to introduce next year. The 2013 model will replace the Caliber, but we don’t yet know if the name will remain. What’s important, however, is that this new compact will be the first fruit of the Fiat-Chrysler merger. The car will be based roughly on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though major differences in size and shape are evident.

The styling is all Dodge. At the front is a softer nose that blends into a steeply sloped windshield. While the combination here presents gentle lines, there is an undeniable projection of power and muscle. The rounded roof flows smoothly rearward almost to the tip of the trunk, keeping with current styling trends.

While front end details are difficult to pick out because of the black-on-black camo covering, some details are evident. The grille opening is split by a large bumper bar and carries horizontal openings above and below. Swept-back headlight clusters stretch (or wrap?) well past the front of the wheel openings, following the soft, rounded shapes of the front clip. Oversize running lights flank the lower air intake.